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A recent survey by the Smith Institute has highlighted that a significant percentage of evacuees from northern Israel remain uncertain about returning to their homes.
The findings, which were set to be presented at a Knesset conference on Monday, reflect ongoing challenges faced by those displaced by the recent conflict in the region.
According to the survey, 44% of evacuees remain undecided about their return, while 5% have already made the decision not to return at all.
In the northern town of Kiryat Shmona, the figure rises to 8%, indicating a notable hesitation among residents to return to their homes.
For those who have decided to return, nearly half expect to do so within the next two months.
However, the primary reason for the delay, according to the survey, is a lack of security. Many evacuees expressed concerns over the safety of their homes and the broader security situation in the region.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their return, the survey found that evacuees were largely positive about the assistance they had received.
Areas such as education, housing, and healthcare were met with favorable feedback, and many evacuees felt that the security arrangements during the evacuation process had been well handled.
However, the survey also indicated that some areas of support require improvement. A significant number of evacuees felt that the compensation they received was insufficient to cover the full extent of their losses.
Additionally, many expressed concerns about the erosion of their sense of community. Some residents feared the breakdown of local ties, which had long been an integral part of life in northern Israel.
The findings varied somewhat by region. Residents of Shlomi and Metulla, for example, reported higher satisfaction levels in most areas, although each community faced distinct challenges.
In Metulla, for instance, fears over the disintegration of communal bonds were particularly pronounced, while in Shlomi, dissatisfaction with compensation levels was a more prominent issue.
Yesh Atid MK Meir Cohen, who will be leading the Knesset conference where the survey results are to be discussed, responded to the findings with concern.
“This survey is a wake-up call to the government. The lack of security, insufficient compensation, and the erosion of community ties are issues that require immediate attention,” Cohen stated.
“We cannot allow the north to be left behind. The upcoming conference presents an opportunity to develop real solutions—not just empty promises.”
The survey results have sparked renewed calls for government intervention to address the underlying issues facing evacuees from northern Israel.
With many still uncertain about their future, the government will likely face mounting pressure to provide meaningful support and ensure that the displaced communities are able to rebuild their lives with greater security and stability.